1 21
2 an illustration of the system he adopted. A goldsmith of
3 middle age, a Catholic, came to me one day, asking for an
4 Aphrodisiacum ; he confessed he had impaired his bodily
5 strength by improper indulgences, to such a degree that he
6 could not perform his conjugal duty; and he added, that he
7 was in a very distressing situation, for his nuptials were to be
8 celebrated on the following Sunday. I expressed my willing-
9 ness to comply with his wishes, but finding probably the price
10 of my medicine too high, he left me, and repaired to Padre
11 Tomaso, hoping to get his medicine gratis. On Monday,
12 after the wedding, at the break of day, Father Tomaso entered
13 my room quite embarrassed, and asked me for my advice, as the
14 goldsmith was constipated, and in great pain, in consequence
15 of the large doses of Cantharides which he had administered
16 to him on the eve of his nuptials. Although somewhat moved
17 with compassion, I could not help laughing at this account,
18 and I desired to see the patient, whereupon he told me that,
19 after having read mass, he would come and conduct me to
20 him. My lodgings being opposite the convent, he very soon
21 returned, and we repaired to the residence of the newly-married
22 pair. It was one of the largest Christian houses in Damascus,
23 and the family of the goldsmith was one of the richest of
24 that country. In the large court-yard and in the saloon through
25 which I had to pass, I saw a great many handsome ladies,
26 and not being shy, they displayed their jewels and other
27 ornaments, because I was come with a priest, and eonseqently
28 appeared to be also a Christian, in spite of my Turkish costume.
29 In a corner of a large room, I found the unfortunate bride-
30 groom cowering and lamenting over his pains; he had only one
31 servant with him. He told me he had taken only a third-part of
32 the majoon (electuary) which Padre Tomaso had given him, but
33 that, instead of its producing the desired effect, lie was tormented
34 with pains that were no longer supportable. I immediately gave
35 him a few pills (a compound of opium, camphor, and ipecacuanha),
36 and also ordered him to take almond-milk, ad libitum , which did
37 e 2